In these verses, we see Naomi do what we are often guilty of doing as well: She failed to give God credit for the good in her life, yet blamed Him for what was not good. Nowhere do we see her acknowledging that the fullness she says she had – most likely referring to her husband and sons – was from the Lord. But she was quick to say several times that He was the One who took them away. This is why Naomi’s heart had become embittered. This is why she was quick to immerse herself in pity and despair instead of celebrating the reunion with others who seemed to care about her. Naomi’s life was not pleasant, but it was her unpleasant and bitter heart that she should have been more concerned about. And that is what we can learn from Naomi here: we, too, are in great danger of allowing our circumstances to dictate the posture of our heart. But when we do, we fail to remember the constant love, grace, mercy and kindness of God poured out to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Our days may be bitter, but the love of Christ should compel us to recognize our condition before God is always pleasant.

How have you allowed your difficult circumstances to embitter your heart? What can you do to prevent that from happening in the future?